About Us
Overview
Pacific Capital was established in April 2007 as an investment firm with assets superior to USD 1.2 billion, focusing on capital preservation and delivering consistent, superior absolute returns with low volatility and correlation to equity and fixed income markets. Pacific Capital's principal investor is Mr. Silvio Scaglia, who was formerly the founder, CEO and largest shareholder of Fastweb, the second-largest fixed line telecommunications company in Italy and previously CEO of Omnitel (now Vodafone Italy) the second wireless telecom operator in Italy. Pacific Capital's activities focus primarily on:
- Investing in publicly-traded securities;
- Pursuing traditional private equity activities;
- Investing in venture capital opportunities;
- Working in conjunction with established partners in both private and public markets.
Investment Philosophy
Pacific Capital's mandate is to identify and invest in attractive opportunities in both public and private companies. The firm invests in both developed and emerging markets securities, and in publicly-traded marketable securities and non-publicly-traded securities. Pacific Capital also selectively invests in venture capital opportunities, based on strict investment criteria. The firm has an opportunistic and agnostic approach to investing, seeking long-term opportunities in various markets. While the investible universe is broad, there is significant focus on the approach used to identify and execute investment decisions. The team prides itself on a collaborative approach, drawing on all the internal expertise, in order to make rewarding long-term investments. Given the experience and professional background of the team, the fund has a particular emphasis on the Technology, Media and Telecoms sectors, as well as the emerging "Green" investment space. While the fund is not specialised, we are able to bring additional expertise to these sectors, which will help us to identify promising long-term investment drivers and themes. We seek to take passive and active stakes in companies in this space, and to potentially bring together companies, in order to capitalise on first-mover advantage in new areas.
Team
The management team has a wide range of operational and financial experience and skills, which it deploys to maximise its investments' potential. Pacific Capital will also benefit from an extensive network of executives and corporate partners to enhance existing and new investment opportunities. The current team looks set to grow further, as the firm builds out further investment and operational expertise in the coming years.
Massimo Armanini*
Massimo Armanini is Director and a member of the Pacific Capital Board of Directors. Massimo is also a member of the SMS Finance and Babelgum Boards of Directors. Prior to joining Pacific Capital, he worked as a Managing Director for over 15 years in leading investment banks, including UBS and Deutsche Bank. Massimo was also CEO of the internet company Jumpy (Mediaset Group), and Chairman of Pliva, the largest pharmaceuticals company by turnover in Central and Eastern Europe, recently acquired by Barr Pharmaceuticals. Massimo holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from Wharton Business School, Philadelphia.
Cristian D'Ippolito
Cristian D'Ippolito is Director of Oryx Capital Advisors, the advisory company for Pacific Capital and SMS Finance. Prior to joining Oryx Capital Advisors, Cristian worked in the European Mergers and Acquisitions group at Deutsche Bank. He also worked for a major player in the luxury goods sector, after having started his career in the M&A group at Credit Suisse First Boston. Cristian main focuses were the telecommunications and consumer goods sectors. Cristian holds a degree in Business Administration from Bocconi University in Milan and University of California at Los Angeles. He also completed post-graduate studies at Copenhagen Business School.
Cyrille Jeanney *
Cyrille Jeanney is Finance Manager of Pacific Capital and a member of the Pacific Capital and SMS Finance Boards of Directors. Cyrille joined Pacific Capital in October 2007 from Caceis Bank Luxembourg, a joint-venture between Calyon and Natixis in the investor services sector, where he worked as head of the Banking Operations department. Prior to that, he was a Senior Manager of Settlement and Reconciliation department and Manager in the Corporate Actions team. Cyrille holds a Master in Management at the International Business School of Nice (CERAM ESC Nice Sophia-Antipolis).
Serge Marion *
Serge Marion is Administration Manager of SMS Finance and a member of the SMS Finance and Pacific Capital Boards of Directors. Serge was an independent member of the Boards since inception of the companies, and joined the group in March 2008 from UniCredit International Bank Luxembourg, where he worked in the Financial Engineering department. Prior to that, Serge was Account Manager at various banks and began his career in the fiscal department of Deloitte & Touche Luxembourg. Serge graduated in Accounting and Taxation from the University of Namur.
Stephen Surpless
Stephen Surpless joined Oryx Capital Advisors in July 2008 as an Investment Manager. Before joining Oryx, Stephen headed an Equity Research group at Cantor Fitzgerald, following his time working in the Equity Research division at Goldman Sachs as an equity analyst. Stephen has also worked in the Corporate Finance division at Dresdner Kleinwort Benson, where he began his career. Stephen has covered various sectors, including Technology Hardware, Conglomerates, Utilities and Branded Consumer Goods. He holds a BA in Economics and MA in Finance and Investment from the University of Exeter. Stephen has been a CFA charterholder since 2003.
* members of...
Press Releases
22 September 2008
Purchase of Convertible loan note of GBP 2,750,000 issued by MAMA Group Plc
Pacific Capital purchased a convertible loan note of £2,750,000 issued by MAMA Group Plc to finance the acquisition of Heaven, a music venue located in central London. Heaven has been in operation since 1979 and has played host to performances by an array of renowned international artists including the Eurythmics, Grace Jones and Cher. It has a capacity of over 1,600, one of the most famous clubs in London and one of the largest in terms of floor space in central London. It hosts club nights, comedy club nights, live music performances and is also hired for large scale private events such as corporate and university parties. The Loan Note must either be converted into ordinary shares in the capital of MAMA Group Plc or redeemed (at the sole option of the MAMA Group Plc) by no later than 31 December 2008. Conversion of the Loan Note into Ordinary Shares is conditional upon obtaining the necessary shareholder approval at a general meeting of MAMA Group Plc.
MAMA Group Plc intends to convene the necessary general meeting on or around 31 October 2008 and, subject to obtaining shareholder approval, exercise its right to convert the Loan Note into Ordinary Shares prior to 31 December 2008. Following a conversion of the Loan Note by MAMA Group Plc, Pacific Capital would be issued with 55,000,000 Ordinary Shares of 5p each issued at par. Pacific Capital S.a.r.l holds 101,020,000 Ordinary Shares in MAMA Group Plc, representing 13.41% of the total shares in issue. As such, under the AIM Rules for Companies, Pacific Capital S.a.r.l is treated as a related party of MAMA Group Plc.
11 June 2008
Subscription of 65,000,000 ordinary shares in the capital of MAMA Group Plc
MAMA Group PlcThe Company announces that it has today received a conditional subscription from Pacific Capital SARL for 65,000,000 ordinary shares of 5 pence each in the capital of the Company for cash at 5 pence per share, totalling £3,250,000 before expenses. The Subscription Shares will, on Admission, rank pari passu with the existing ordinary shares of 5 pence each in the capital of the Company. Following the allotment and issue of the Subscription Shares MAMA Group will have an issued share capital of 740,390,312 fully paid up ordinary shares.
Activities
Public Equities
Pacific Capital's mandate is to invest using its financial and human capital to make long-term equity investments in outstanding companies which will be successful over the long term. Investments are selected with a disciplined, research-intensive analytical process, in conjunction with a top-down macro approach. Pacific Capital's goal is to identify sectors and businesses with sustainable long-term competitive advantage, motivated management and able to deliver attractive risk-adjusted cashflows. Pacific Capital views itself as an investor in businesses and companies, not as a trading firm. The firm seeks to invest in all sectors, with no geographical restrictions. Market conditions and valuations are the main determinant in deciding which investments to pursue. In particular, market positioning and future leadership status is closely studied, to ensure that the firm identifies the leaders of the future. Pacific Capital will also consider larger strategic investments, bringing additional skills to the existing management. The long term approach and management expertise at Pacific Capital allows the fund to enhance value further at the selected companies.
Private Equity
Pacific Capital's long-term investment strategy is also focused on private equity-style investments, with the aim to provide long term capital and resources. We work with management as long term partners allowing the company to be run without the pressure of fund-raising issues and contributing the business knowledge and experience of our investment professionals and our broad network in business and the financial sector. Pacific Capital invests in both established public and private companies through:
- Buyouts of private companies and divisions of public or private companies;
- Acquisitions of public companies through going private transactions;
- Participating in stake building by purchasing blocks from existing investors looking to exit/raise capital.
Venture Capital
Pacific Capital focuses on dynamic young companies, operating in the telecom, technology and media sectors, which are pioneers in their respective fields. Pacific Capital's team are active partners, creating close long-term relationships with these early-stage companies, providing hands-on support and practical guidance to achieve global growth to create world-class companies. This approach will enable these companies to excel in their respective industries and take them to the next stage of their development.
Special Opportunities
Finally, Pacific Capital is able to selectively target certain special opportunities, depending on market conditions. These include:
- Investing in distressed capital situations;
- Participating in corporate restructurings.
Performance
Since Inception
Cooming Soon
Half-Year
Cooming Soon
Careers
Why Pacific Capital?
Pacific Capital is building its organisation for the long term by attracting and employing individuals from around the world with a variety of backgrounds, skills and approaches to investment decisions. The fund concentrates on talented, dedicated professionals focused on execution of value-generating opportunities. We pride ourselves on the careful selection of potential team members, both experienced professionals and university graduates. Pacific Capital aims to provide and maintain an attractive internal culture of teamwork and shared responsibilities. The fund is committed to expanding and meeting its investment goals, through an attractive and focused work environment, seeking to add to existing resources.
How to Apply
We are always interested in meeting both motivated, experienced professionals and recent graduates both for Pacific Capital or one of the related companies. Please send all job-related correspondence to info@pacific-capital.lu and include a cover letter in addition to your resume.
Contacts
Pacific Capital S.a r.l.
5, Allée Scheffer
L-2520 Luxembourg
Tel +352 262629 2546
Fax +352 2461 1653
Email info@pacific-capital.lu
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